Slender willows sway in the breeze

Chapter 141 Sudden
Liu Sijun noticed that when Consort Shu mentioned the eldest prince, a fleeting, unreadable emotion flashed in her eyes, as if there was regret, or something else.

She then asked, "I wonder how the Second Prince is doing lately? I haven't heard from him in a long time. I suppose he must be worried about things in the palace since the First Prince's sudden misfortune happened."

Consort Shu frowned slightly, a hint of wariness flashing in her eyes: "Min'er is doing well. He has always been low-key and doesn't get involved in palace gossip. He usually just focuses on his cultivation, which makes things easier for me."

Liu Sijun understood that Consort Shu was unwilling to discuss the Second Prince's affairs.

Saying more might backfire.

She got up, gave a few instructions, and left with Nian Shuang.

After leaving Jingren Palace, Nian Shuang couldn't help but whisper, "Alchemist Liu, I feel that Consort Shu is acting strangely. When you asked her about the Second Prince, she seemed very reluctant to talk about it."

"Hmm, her reaction was very unnatural. And those rare potted plants didn't seem to be from the palace."

Nian Shuang asked, "Where are we going now?"

Liu Sijun: "Go to Luanming Palace."

Nian Shuang asked in confusion, "Weren't you not going?"

As Liu Sijun walked, he said, "How can we not go to the Empress's place?"

"The Empress already dislikes you, and now that the Crown Prince's affair has happened, and you went to Jingren Palace first, she will probably make things even more difficult for you."

Liu Sijun said, "That's exactly what I want—to make things difficult for her."

This made her believe that she was also someone who flattered the powerful and belittled the weak, and that the Empress was arrogant and haughty, so that she could say something in anger.

Before long, the two arrived at Luanming Palace.

Compared to before, Luanming Palace still feels much quieter and colder, even though there are still so many guards on duty.

After the guards announced their arrival, Liu Sijun led Nian Shuang into the hall.

The Empress was discussing something with her maids when Liu Sijun entered. Her face instantly darkened, and a cold glint appeared on her lips: "Alchemist Liu, you've finally decided to come. I think you only have eyes for those few favored concubines!"

Liu Sijun quickly bowed and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I have been busy refining elixirs recently and have been delayed in coming to examine Your Majesty's pulse. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

The Empress glanced at her disdainfully and said, "Busy refining elixirs? I think you're busy currying favor with Consort Shu at Jingren Palace."

The Crown Prince just got into trouble, and you're already rushing to curry favor with her. What a cunning move.

"Your Majesty misunderstands. I was simply following the usual procedure to take the pulses of each of you in turn. Besides, Consort Shu has been unwell recently, so I went to Jingren Palace first."

The Empress laughed angrily, "Unwell? Hmph, I think she's hiding something. She's probably overjoyed that the First Prince is under house arrest."

Liu Sijun's heart skipped a beat, but on the surface she showed a look of surprise, "Why does Your Highness say such a thing? Consort Shu has always been low-key and doesn't seem like the kind of person who would have such thoughts."

The Empress scoffed, "What do you know! Her son always pretends to be indifferent to worldly affairs, but who knows what he's plotting. With the Crown Prince down, they're probably secretly gloating."

Seeing the Empress's agitation, Liu Sijun continued, "Your Majesty is wise, but I don't think Consort Shu is the type to get involved in these power struggles. Has Your Majesty discovered something?"

The Empress frowned slightly, as if realizing she had spoken out of turn. After a moment of silence, she said, "Hmph, you don't need to ask any more questions. In short, as a palace alchemist, you should be careful with your words and actions, and not be used by others without even realizing it."

Liu Sijun understood that the Empress was unwilling to say any more.

But based on the Empress's words alone, she had already vaguely sensed that Consort Shu and her son seemed to have some connection with the eldest prince's affairs.

Liu Sijun did not press further, but said, "Your Majesty's words are wise, and I will certainly remember them. The situation in the palace is complicated now, and I hope Your Majesty will take care of your health. I will now take Your Majesty's pulse."

The Empress nodded slightly and extended her wrist. While Liu Sijun took her pulse, he appeared focused on the pulse reading, but in his heart, he was pondering the Empress's words.

After taking her pulse, Liu Sijun said, "Your Majesty's pulse is stable, but you have been worrying too much lately. I hope Your Majesty can put your mind at ease."

The Empress waved her hand. "Alright, you may leave. Be more careful in the future."

Liu Sijun was slightly taken aback and looked up at the Empress.

The Empress's seemingly ordinary words of advice appeared quite abrupt at this moment.

In the past, the Empress had mostly been difficult and disdainful towards her, but today's words carried a subtle, different meaning.

Liu Sijun remained calm and bowed respectfully again: "Thank you for your teachings, Your Highness. I will remember them."

Then he led Nian Shuang out of the hall.

"Master Liu, the Empress is acting very strangely today. Not only did she talk so much about Consort Shu, but she also told you to do your job well. This is very different from her usual attitude towards you."

"You noticed it too?"

Nian Shuang nodded: "In short, it's different from usual."

"Her actions may have had ulterior motives. Perhaps she realized the situation was dire and needed to rely on the strength of all parties; or perhaps... she was testing me."

"Did the Empress find out that I was testing you?"

Liu Sijun shook his head: "That's not necessarily true, but I'm close to the Marquis, and he's investigating Xuanji Hall, so testing him is inevitable."

The two continued on their way, their next stop being Yihe Palace, where Consort Xian resided.

Consort Xian was intelligent and thoughtful, and was known in the palace for her gentle and virtuous nature. She gave birth to the fourth prince, Bei Chenhao.

Bei Chenhao is sixty years old this year and just achieved the Core Formation last year. He is a straightforward person and has a good relationship with the princesses of several princes.

However, in this ever-changing imperial harem, everyone has a side that is unknown to others.

Upon arriving at Yihe Palace, one finds the palace elegantly decorated and exuding a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

After the palace maid announced their arrival, Liu Sijun and Nian Shuang entered the hall.

Consort Xian was sitting by the window, holding a book. When she saw them enter, she smiled slightly and stood up to greet them: "Master Liu, it's been a long time. Please have a seat."

After bowing, Liu Sijun said, "May Your Majesty be well. Your humble servant has come to check Your Majesty's pulse."

Consort Xian nodded, sat down on the couch, and extended her wrist.

When Liu Sijun took her pulse, he carefully observed the Empress's expression. He saw that her face was calm, but her eyes revealed a faint worry.

Liu Sijun: "Your Majesty's pulse is fine, but she seems a little troubled. Is something on your mind?"

Consort Xian sighed softly and said, "The situation in the palace is currently turbulent, and the First Prince has been suddenly placed under house arrest. I cannot help but worry about Hao'er's future."

Liu Sijun's heart stirred; it seemed that all the concubines were extremely concerned about the situation in the palace.

Following up on Consort Xian's words, she said, "Your Majesty need not worry too much. The Fourth Prince is exceptionally intelligent. As long as he acts cautiously, there should be no problem. However, I wonder what Your Majesty's opinion is on the matter of the First Prince?"

(End of this chapter)